Facebook blocks the Spinner’s ‘brainwashing’ tech

Image captionFacebook has barred the behaviour-changing service from its platforms

Facebook has issued a cease and desist notice to an Israeli firm that claims to be able to subconsciously alter people’s behaviour.

The Spinner charges a fee to “subconsciously influence” targets by exposing them to online posts “disguised as editorial content”.

But Facebook has objected to the start-up using its services to achieve this.

And the tech giant has barred the firm and its chief from using Facebook or Instagram for any reason.

In response, the Spinner’s co-founder and chief operating officer Elliot Shefler told the BBC that it would continue to sell targeted online campaigns and refused to rule out using Facebook in the future.

Policy violation

The Spinner claims to be able to “brainwash” loved ones to:

quit smoking

lose weight

propose marriage

initiate sex with their partners more often

consider having breast implants

To do this, it shows dozens of articles about the issue to targets over a period of months via the internet, including in their social media feeds.

Facebook’s law firm Perkins Coie has sent a letter to Mr Shefler to complain.

But Mr Shefler added: “The Spinner’s ability to deliver content to targeted users is not dependent on any specific social account or page. It’s a concept.”

Does it work?

The Spinner operates by sending a link to the target’s phone. When opened, it places a small file known as a cookie on the target’s device, which allows them to be identified and exposed to specially created articles and other media.

The idea was originally pitched to the public via the crowdfunding site Indiegogo, but only raised £192 of its £47,800 target. Despite this, the firm decided to press on.